Wildlife conservation in India

“Only when the last of the animal’s horns, tusks, skin, and bones have been sold, will mankind realize that money can never buy back our wildlife.”
~ Paul Oxton

Living beings are interdependent for their survival. This means we should always stand to support our fellow beings for their existence. But are we really doing it? Let’s think again. No matter, how much we talk about environmental protection, planting trees, and the like; our efforts will be in vain if we don’t take wildlife conservation seriously. A huge chunk of our livelihood and reasons for survival come from wildlife and their natural habitat. Unfortunately, we are fast losing our wildlife cover that needs conservation.

We usually relate wildlife conservation with endangered species. The reasons include climate changes, pollution, and some unlawful activities. Conservation is to stop the wastage of a resource. So, wildlife conservation is to protect wild species and their natural habitats.

For instance, water pollution is a threat to marine life. Change in water temperature causes reefs to lose their color and coral colonies. Captivation of elephants and their tusks for unlawful trade is another problem.

To know more about the importance of wildlife for our lives, let’s scroll down.

Why is Wildlife Conservation Important?

We know how important it is to maintain environmental wholesomeness for our existence. The major causes of biodiversity loss and forests’ degradation include logging, poaching, and agricultural and urban expansion.

Some of the animal species have reached near extinction during the last four decades. The alarming fact is that almost 10,000 species are lost every year! Simply put, this is the loss of half of the wildlife populace of the world. Our efforts for conservation in this direction can reap fruits that will beneficiate the generations to come.

So, conservation of wildlife is important for a number of reasons, which are:

Ecosystem Balance

All animals are important for the ecosystem. When the populace of an animal species reduces, another species is threatened. This interrupts the natural food chain and eventually the ecosystem.

Protection of Ecological Stability

If wildlife and natural habitats are not conserved, there will be droughts because of water supply destruction. Furthermore, human activities like deforestation and logging negatively affect the environment.

With the conservation of flora and fauna, ecological stability is encouraged. For instance, plants balance oxygen and carbon dioxide in the environment. Thereby, are important for a healthy ecosystem.

Enhance Food, Water, and Air Security

Wildlife conservation enhances food security for human beings. It also helps in research for promoting agricultural diversity. Protection of natural habitats from degradation and forests against deforestation rises food availability.

It ensures that there are adequate and consistent natural resources for agricultural activities. Thus, manifolds food security. The availability of clean air and water is ensured as well.  

Medicinal Value

The importance of animals for medicine production can’t be denied. For instance, cobra venom is vital to make leprosy medication. Similarly, lobsters can be used as antifungals.

By conserving wildlife, their natural habitat is also conserved. This is instrumental for medicinal research and the sustainability of the pharmaceutical industries.

Boosts Tourism

Contributing immensely to the GDP of countries, tourism is also affected adversely if wildlife conservation is not taken seriously. A host of tourists prefer holidaying in areas that include wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, forests, game parks, and zoos. Such places also give them chances to partake in ample activities like camping, fishing, boat riding, and hiking just to mention a few.

Wildlife conservation ensures that people enjoy nature at its best while boosting the economic growth of nations.

Preserves Heritage and Culture

At some places, livelihood and native practices are related to the local flora and fauna. So, to avoid the loss of native heritage and land, conservation of the environment is crucial. In the case of Africa Safaris, animals like lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and elephants are included.

Thousands of wild beasts’ migration, associated with the “Serengeti Plain” ecosystem is another example that highlights the importance of conservation of wildlife to preserve heritage and culture.

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